Winter Trails Day info from 2016

Join The Mountaineers Jan 8-10 for a weekend of enjoyable outdoor activities in the beautiful Methow Valley in central Washington, where some of the best skiing, snowshoeing and winter festivities take place every year! Parts of the valley and other areas of Okanogan County were ravaged by wild fires over the summer of 2014 and 2015 but all the winter trails and facilities as well as most of the magical views were unaffected.

We have a plethora of winter activities for the whole family to enjoy over the Winter Trails Day weekend. In addition to trips and outdoor outings happening during the day check out the fun evening activities happening in the valley. And don't forget to check out the great deals Mountaineers and other participants can get on accommodations and rentals.

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

Mountaineers ski and snowshoe leaders will be leading trips on January 9 and 10 in the Methow Valley in celebration of Winter Trails Weekend. The trips are free but you must register through The Mountaineers site to participate.

CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRIPS

Join Mountaineers leader Chris Ensor on Saturday January 9th. Click here for more details and to register online.

Join Mountaineers leader Chris Ensor on Sunday January 10th. Click here for more details and to register online.

SNOWSHOE TRIPS

Join Mountaineers leader Erik Swanson on Saturday January 9th. Click here for more details and to register online.

Join Mountaineers leader Tom Cushing on Saturday January 9th. Click here for more details and to register online

Join Mountaineers leader Tom Cushing on Sunday January 10th. Click here for more details and to register online.

NATURE OF WINTER GUIDED SNOWSHOE

A Methow Trails volunteer will lead a family-friendly snowshoe tour that focuses on winter ecology, wildlife and tracks, snow science and more.

Tour Meeting Location: Meet at either the Sun Mountain Lodge Ski Shop or at North Cascades Basecamp Warming Hut in Mazama

Please arrive early if you wish to rent snowshoes and buy a trail pass (Sun Mountain shop offers 25% off rentals during Nature of Winter Trails Day weekend)

Directions to Sun Mountain: From the 4-way stop in downtown Winthrop, drive south approximately 1 mile. The road curves to the right, crossing the bridge over the Methow River, and immediately after crossing the bridge the road will “Y” – turn right onto Twin Lakes Road and follow this road 3.2 miles to Patterson Lake Road. Turn right onto Patterson Lake Road and follow the signs 6.4 miles up to Sun Mountain Lodge. Go into the Lobby and turn left for the shop.

Directions to North Cascades Basecamp: travelling west from Winthrop Turn off Highway 20 at the Mazama turnoff, and turn left at the junction of Lost River Road and Goat Creek Road. Physically go past the Mazama Store, and continue up Lost River Road for 2.2 miles. The Basecamp is located on the left side of the road. You'll see our large wooden sign reads "North Cascades Lodge and Basecamp".

Registration Details: Tour size is limited to 10 people. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. No prior registration is required. The tour is free but Methow Trails snowshoe trail pass ($5) or a ski trail pass is required for each person and participants must provide their own snowshoes or rent them for the tour. Contact Methow trails for information by email using info@methowtrails.org or call 509-996-3287

Registration Details: No formal registration required. Children and young people under 18 will need an adult to sign the waiver for them. Cost is FREE!

Directions: From the 4-way stop in downtown Winthrop drive south approximately 1 mile. The road then curves to the right, crossing a bridge across the Methow River. Immediately after crossing the bridge the road will “Y” – turn right onto Twin Lakes Road. Take the second right turn immediately after Winthrop Physical Therapy. Park in the parking lot.

Other information: Come prepared for winter weather—warm gloves and winter boots recommended. There is no maximum numbers but limited bikes and sizes are available so it may be necessary for participants to wait until the correct size bike is available. Participants will need to sign a liability waiver with Methow Cycle & Sport at the trailhead. For any other questions email Methow Cycle & Sport or call 509.996.3645

ICE SKATING

3 days of skating possibilities at Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink! LAST MINUTE CHANGE: Friday Open Skating at 1 pm and 3:30 pm and the evening skate dance party from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. IS CANCELLED due to refrigeration problems and warm air temperatures. It's hope to have the rink back open for Saturday and Sunday open skate sessions from 12:00 to 2:00 pm, but best to call head: 509-996-4199

FUN IN THE EVENINGS

WINTER SLEIGH RIDES

Glide through the snow tucked warmly into a sleigh drawn by mammoth draft horses you will arrive at an old-fashioned packer’s tent to enjoy the views and a hot cup of cocoa.

Date and Time: Saturday & Sunday, Jan 9 & 10 at 1, 2 & 3 pm

Cost: $17 per adult and $12 per child (12 and under) plus tax. These are 2015 prices and are subject to change for 2016

WINTER SLEIGH RIDE DINNER

Gliding through the snow tucked warmly into a sleigh drawn by mammoth draft horses, you arrive at an old-fashioned packer’s tent to enjoy a dinner include a hearty, Western-style meal featuring entrée, bread, homemade dessert, and coffee, tea, or milk.

Date and Time: Jan 9, leaves at 5 pm and gets back a little after 7 pm.

Cost: $45 per adult, $35 per child plus tax for sleigh ride and dinner. These are 2015 prices are subject to review for 2016. Please contact us for details after Thanksgiving.

Registration and Restrictions: No registration is required and the tasting is FREE but everyone wishing to taste must be over 21. People under 21 are welcome to be at the tasting room. Sparking apple cider and water will be available to anyone under age or above who does not wish to taste wine. If you like one or more of the red, white or reserve wines you are invited to purchase one or more bottles. Discounts are offered for cases of 12.

Location:Lost River Winery Tasting Room, 26 Highway 20, Winthrop. From downtown Winthrop travel west half a mile towards Mazama on Highway 20. The tasting room is just beyond the baseball field on the right hand side.

DEALS DURING WINTER TRAILS DAY WEEKEND

OUTFITTING DEALS

Cascades Outdoor Store: This is the place to go in downtown Winthrop for any ski or snowshoe equipment and clothing you may have left at home or want to upgrade or rent. To see their wide range of outdoor gear please check out their website: http://cascadesoutdoorstore.com They are offering $10 off any purchase of over $50 in January using this coupon which you can print out or show on your phone. 222 Riverside Ave. Winthrop (509) 996-3480.

Cost and Registration: Visit the ski school site for Lesson rates and rental rates. Contact staff at each location in advance to book an individual or group lesson or inquire about rental equipment. For Sun Mountain call (509) 996-4735, for Mazama call (509) 996-3744 and for Winthrop call (509) 996-4735 or 996-3645 or e-mail: xcski@methownet.com

Special Rates for Winter Trails Day Weekend: State that you are taking part in Winter Trails Day 2015, Jan 9 & 10 and get:

25% off ski rentals

25% off snowshoe rentals

25% off private ski lessons

Special group lessons skate and classic for $20 each (minimum 4 people)

Keep checking back for more activity details and lodging partner offers for this fun family friendly weekend!